LASA gathered in February to think about food insecurity – its history in LA and the most recent surges in food needs during this past COVID-19 year. We recognize access to food is a critical concern for many Angelenos, LASA families included.
First, Bill Deverell shared a brief history of food assistance programs in LA and then LASA Graduate Patrick Hudnut led a conversation on current work with his colleague, Sherry Bonanno, the Executive Director of the Hollywood Food Coalition (HFC).
Olivia, a current LASA student who had previously volunteered with HFC, reflected, “I learned on Saturday that food coalitions are beyond a place for underserved people to eat; they’re sites of aid for any citizen. I like how HFC serves anyone daily, regardless of income, and tries to help folks get what they need, such as a place to live or a job. I was also surprised when I heard that HFC saved over 900,000 pounds of food last year alone. I’m imagining how many families were able to eat properly during the pandemic, thanks to HFC. Food is a universal right especially in metropolitan cities, and this food coalition strongly helps make that happen.” Morelia, who volunteered at a food bank noted the intersection of the pandemic and food access issues, “The various emotional, financial, and other personal factors are definitely something that hundreds of people are unfortunately experiencing during these times.”
Neni shared that she walked away from Patrick and Sherry’s conversation with a new understanding of “how intricate food coalitions and organizations are. I had never realized that they could be so much more than a place to find food.” Daniel added, “Effective food distributers not only provide food, but also provide solace, community, and resources to those who require the food. Food banks are more than places for people to get their necessary meal – they are fighters and communities of mutual assistance.”
And Colin connected our conversation in February to previous LASA studies – “It was also interesting how much food waste [is connected both directly to food insecurity and] increasingly filling landfills are beginning to emit more carbon and add to the climate crisis.”
After hearing from Patrick and Sherry, LASA students presented some of their research. Before we gathered, we invited students to research responses to increased food access issues during COVID in their neighborhoods. Pop-up food banks? Increased individual and community action to help neighbors? School-run food programs? In addition to sharing their findings with their classmates, we challenged them to share their research with at least five friends so we can all help spread the word. Some of the spaces and helpers they identified include:
- “Dream Center, which is an organization that helps families struggling with homelessness, hunger, poverty, and more. While they are not primarily an organization for food insecurity, they have provided a lot of resources for families in LA who have been impacted by covid.”
- LA Works
- Data from Feeding America, “feedingamerica.org had a recent study (The Food back response to COVID, by the numbers) in November 2020 indicating that ‘more than 80% food banks are serving more people now than they did a year ago.’”